Stained Glass Courses of 2024: A Year of Creativity and Connection
We decided to create this special article dedicated to the stained glass courses of 2024 to celebrate the wonderful students who joined us at IKO Studio and showcase the works they created. This year, too, students from various nationalities chose to join us in exploring the ancient art of stained glass. The result? Unique creations that blend traditional techniques with personal inspiration.
In this article, you can admire the stunning outcomes achieved during our stained glass courses of 2024.
Creativity and connections that last: They arrive as students, they leave as friends
Behind every work produced during our stained glass courses of 2024 there is a person who has decided to dedicate themselves to something special: learning or perfecting the art of stained glass. But our courses are not just an opportunity for artistic growth; they are also a place where authentic connections are made.
Between a shared lunch and a convivial evening, bonds are established that often turn into lasting friendships. Over the years, many students stay in touch with us for technical advice or to share significant moments in their lives. One extraordinary example is the story of two students who met during one of our courses about ten years ago. This year they announced exciting news: the birth of their child. He is originally from the Veneto region of Italy, she is Australian, and their story shows how art can unite distant worlds.
Bolsena the perfect setting for IKO Studi’s residential art courses
Most of the people who signed up for our residential art courses were deeply interested in learning the techniques of stained glass, rather than simply experiencing a holiday. Discovering Bolsena and its namesake lake, therefore, was an exciting surprise for them. Bolsena is a charming medieval village, with one of the oldest castles in the area. For those accustomed to modern cities, the atmosphere here is almost fairytale-like. Furthermore, staying in our student accommodation, a structure built around the year 1000, offers an authentic dive into the past.
Get Inspired: Watch Our Video
Our video tells the story of our students’ passion and creativity through their works from the 2024 stained glass courses. Discover it to get inspired and perhaps imagine yourself as the protagonist of the next edition of our stained glass courses.
Reviews 2024: Valuable Testimonials
Many of our satisfied students wanted to leave a review about IKO Studio on our Google profile. We have selected three of their testimonials to share with you.
Clare UK: attended the stained glass courses of 2024
I spent an amazing week with Diego and Andrea back in September. I did the lead course and it was everything I hoped for and more. Being able to dedicate a whole week to learning something new meant I could see the improvement in my technique day by day. I was able to make a beautiful panel and picked up so many new skills. Absolutely brilliant course.
Diego and Andrea are both excellent teachers. Very patient, very generous with their time and both really welcoming. Lovely guys who are fun to be around and passionate about what they do.
The accommodation was perfect. Close to the studio and has everything you need to feel at home. The food Andrea cooked for us every lunchtime was delicious. A real treat.
Thank you Diego and Andrea for making me feel so welcome, for your patient teaching and for the fabulous food!
I will be back to see you, Baghera and Violetta next year.
Natasha UK: attended the stained glass courses of 2024
Wow where can I even begin- my week in the incredible IKO Studio for the stained glass intensive course was an unforgettable experience. Diego and Andrea are the most welcoming, supportive and talented hosts and teachers and I feel very blessed to have been taught by them.
The course is 1 on 1 so you get plenty of time and attention to experiment, try out techniques, make mistakes (and learn from them) I created a leaded stained glass piece with grisaille painting techniques and I feel incredibly proud of the range of new skills I was able to develop over the week. I even got to give copper foiling a go creating a small lamp while my painted glass spent some time in the kiln.
My husband came with me and while he didn’t participate in the course he had an amazing time swimming in the lake and exploring the historic town of Bolsena- so if you are travelling with a companion they’ll be well occupied. We stayed in the accommodation offered with the course which was well equipped and perfectly situated near the castle grounds just a short walk away from the studio with amazing views of Bolsena lake. The town itself was thriving the night we arrived we were met by a bustling food festival and before we left we got to sample some locally produced wines at the wine and flowers festival in the castle grounds. Full of music laughter and friendly people!
Diego and Andrea provided an incredible lunch every day featuring lots of wonderful local produce- pretty much everything from the bread, vegetables, cheese, fish was locally sourced and delicious. In the evening we tasted some of the best pizza we’ve ever eaten in Bolsena’s local restaurants – Diego and Andrea were amazing at recommending us the best places to go!
If you’re thinking of booking – don’t hesitate! It’s the most amazing experience!
Julie US: attended the stained glass courses of 2024
Such a fabulous learning experience in painting stained glass! I have been under the most wonderful guidance and mentorship with very patient, professional, and kind people. My first time in painting glass and I am taking home skills I never thought I could accomplish. So overwhelmingly happy they have been so willing and so supportive in my new found journey on glass. Thank you so very much for the experience of a lifetime. I will cherish my special time here in the studio in Bolsena also.
Many students have already signed up for the new year and what are you waiting for?
